Product Description

Montana Sapphire Gravel

Montana sapphire gravel from the El Dorado Bar of the Missouri River. This bag contains 2 gallons of natural, unwashed, concentrated Montana sapphire gravel from a private claim on the El Dorado bar. The gravel may also contain rubies, garnets, hematite and/or gold. The sapphires found in this area generally range from 1 to 6 carats, but an occasional larger crystal is recovered. If you like rock-hounding, this bag is for you. Chock full of fun with an element of buying a lottery ticket!

Description

About our El Dorado Sapphire Gravel:

Montana Gems sapphire gravel from the El Dorado Bar. This gravel bar runs along the Missouri River just outside Helena, Montana. Our sapphire bags contain 2 gallons of natural, unwashed, concentrated Montana sapphire gravel from a private claim. This claim is on the well known El Dorado bar – near Helena, Montana. Different than the alluvial Gem Mountain sapphire deposit near Philipsburg, Montana, these sapphires hail from a placer deposit. These sapphires have worked themselves down through the gravels and concentrated near bedrock. This fact alone makes this material easier to wash than the mountain deposit due to absence of clay. This gem-rich river gravel may also contain rubies, garnets, topaz, hematite, gold and/or other gems and minerals. Sapphires here generally range from 1 to 6 carats, but an occasional large sapphire crystal is found. The largest sapphire this mine has produced was just under 50 carats, but sapphires of that size are extremely rare. If you like rock-hounding and treasure-hunting, this bag is for you. Chock full of fun but keep in mind, like all mining, it’s kind of like buying a lottery ticket!

Most people are unaware of the fabulous sapphires that come from Montana. These Montana gems have been mined for years, starting with industrial grade uses. After the application of heat-treating was introduced, the quality of these gems could be improved. This process improved the color and clarity, making them true contenders in the gem world. The color of most of the Montana sapphires isn’t the typical deep blue that we’re used to seeing from stones from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, or Australia – often seen marketed in the chain jewelry stores. Heat-treating can improve the color of these gems but they have their own unique “Montana sapphire” hues. Those familiar with these fantastic gems can recognize the color and sparkle that these beautiful sapphires are famous for.

2 reviews for Montana Sapphire Gravel

Rated 5 out of 5

Shay –January 25, 2017

My husband bought me this bag for Christmas, and we had lots of fun sifting through it. We pulled around 15 sapphires out of it on our first sifting, varying from yellow to green/blue. Nothing larger than 1 ct, however. Overall a good purchase, we’re very happy with the experience!

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Return Policy

No returns on gravel products.

Jewelry can be returned within 10 days in same condition unless customized.

Custom products are non-returnable, non-refundable.

All other merchandise may be returned within 30 day of purchase if returned in original condition.

All returns are subject to a 10% restocking fee.

If you would like to return an item, please contact us at 406-859-6725 for return authorization.We will refund your purchase price less 10% restocking fee to the payment method used for purchase upon receipt of your item.